Monday December 23, 2024
Dear automotive enthusiasts, restorers, collectors, and investors,
“The Return Of The One That Got Away by Dick Shappy”
Approximately 15 years ago, I received a call from a West Coast collector/dealer who had an exceptionally interesting automobile that immediately captured my attention the moment I laid eyes on it. The car was a professionally restored 1912 Speedwell Model H Speedcar, previously owned by James Melton, Winthrop Rockefeller, and Bill Harrah. The more I learned about the car, the more I fell in love with it. However, at the time, there was no way I could afford it outright without offering a few items as partial trade.
It was then that I learned the seller had contacted me because he was interested in a car from my collection. He was willing to accept it as part of the deal for the 1912 Speedwell. He had taken particular interest in my all-original 1922 Locomobile Roadster, which I had purchased a few years earlier from the Jameson Collection in Connecticut. Of all the cars in my personal collection, I considered the Locomobile to be one of the gems, and I was extremely reluctant to part with it. Still, my newfound fascination with the Speedwell was undeniable, and I knew I had to have it.
After some minor negotiations, a deal was struck, and the transfer of ownership was completed. I thoroughly enjoyed the Speedwell during my time owning it and considered it one of the top favorites in my collection. Although I had no intention of selling it, I was approached by my friend Evan Ide, formerly of Bonhams Auction Co., who informed me that a European buyer was interested in purchasing the Speedwell. After careful consideration, the decision was made to consign the car to the Pebble Beach Auction.
With the Speedwell at the auction and the fact that I had never attended the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance, I was now extremely interested in making the trip. There was heavy bidding on the Speedwell, and I was happy with the result of the sale, very happy.
I returned home, knowing I would soon be receiving a large check from Bonhams, and began wondering what my next purchase might be.
A few years before selling the Locomobile Roadster, I had placed a large photo of it on my toolbox, constantly reminding myself of its existence. I thought about it for a while and decided to see if I could locate it and convince the new owner(s) to sell it back to me. A few years had passed, but after a little research, I discovered that the Locomobile was being restored by a gentleman in Laconia, New Hampshire, just a few hours away by car. I reached out to a car buddy of mine and asked if he knew anyone in the area who had possession of an early Locomobile Roadster. Bingo! It did not take much effort to locate it—there it was.
I contacted the new owner and asked if he would be interested in letting it go. I even offered him a profit to do so. Without hesitation, he replied that he loved the car and had no interest in selling it. A few years later, I approached him again, and once more he told me that the car was not for sale.
Approximately 12 more years passed, and in August of this year, I received a phone call from my friend in Laconia. He informed me that the gentleman who had purchased the Locomobile had passed away, and the widow was eager to clear out the garage where it had been stored, as she wanted space for her new car. However, there was one problem—the car had been completely disassembled, and the parts were scattered in three separate locations. This was a setback, but I still wanted the car returned to my collection and was confident I could locate the parts and complete the car once again.
Naturally, the day my mechanic and driver, Anthony, chose to make the trip and seal the deal turned out to be the hottest day of the year. I had been told that the car had been disassembled, but I did not expect it to be in so many pieces. The car was on jack stands, with no wheels, and even the brake drums and brakes had been removed. Our first task was to at least get the car rolling so we could load it into my trailer, locate as many parts as we could, and return to my shop to begin reconstructing the car. We spent the whole day locating and loading parts; when all was said and done, I can honestly say I am very happy with "the return of the one that got away." The car now sits in my shop, and we have been diligently working to make her whole again.
Best regards,
